Blackfoot Pathways: Sculpture in the Wild cancels 2020 summer. and fall programs

Blackfoot Pathways: Sculpture in the Wild Artistic Director Kevin O'Dwyer, with the Blackfoot Pathways Sculpture in the Wild board, announced last week they will be postponing all 2020 summer and fall events in the park.

The decision stemmed from concerns for the safety of the artists, board member and the public due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and from the resulting inability to deliver a full and comprehensive program. The postponement of their events includes the installation of new art pieces, the artist in residency program, the summer and fall educational programming and their annual Café Music Night fundraiser.

Artists scheduled for this year's programs included Bently Spang, a Northern Cheyenne multidisciplinary artist, writer and curator, and Michael Brolly, a Pennsylvania woodturning artist. Both are fully supportive of the board's decision and look forward to being part of the programming in 2021.

For more information on the artists and their work, visit their websites at http://www.bentlyspang.com and http://www.michaelbrolly.com.

While programming has been postponed, the park will remain open and welcomes visitors. Board members have been and will continue to go out to the park throughout the day to clean and make sure it's safe for park attendees. They extend the reminder to everyone who visits to practice social distancing during their time in the park. Tours for small parties can still be scheduled by contacting Becky Garland at 406-431-0325.

The park has remained open throughout the pandemic and saw approximately 14,500 visitors in April and May alone. It seems that when people were looking for something safe to do, the park became a great destination as people could be outside, practice social distancing, and enjoy the art and wildlife throughout the park.

Garland, President of the BPSW board said that despite programming being pushed to next year, this break will serve as a time to complete some projects in the park. Work that needs to be done includes trail working, installation of artist plaques at their installations, and large, paneled signs describing animal and bird life in the Blackfoot Valley.

"We appreciate the constant and continued support from the community in helping to make the park so successful. The park is a great addition to the community and has helped make Lincoln a great art destination. We receive comment cards at the park and people generally seemed to be pleased with their visit and plan to come back," Garland said.

Though their annual fundraiser has been cancelled for this year, those wishing to financially support the park can do so via their website or by sending a contribution to Box 712, Lincoln, MT 59639.

Additionally, donations can be made at the park at the entrance. For more information about the park and latest updates, please visit their website at http://www.sculptureinthewild.com/ or follow them on Facebook at Sculpture in the Wild.